Director Andy Goddard has been hired to direct the film adaptation of The Blunderer, a novel by The Talented Mr. Ripley writer Patricia Highsmith.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the book was optioned by Susan and William Boyd. Susan wrote the script, while her husband will executive produce. Ted Hope and Christine Vachon are producing, and financing is being provided by Sierra Pictures.

“The Blunderer is one of those extremely special projects, complete with complicated Highsmithian characters and edge-of-your-seat tension. We are thrilled to have Andy at the helm of this one. He's a unique and skilled director with a great vision for the film,” Sierra CEO Nick Meyer said in a statement posted at ComingSoon.net.

The Blunderer was published in 1954, between Strangers on a Train and Mr. Ripley. Both novels have already been turned into famous films. Alfred Hitchcock directed Strangers in 1951. Directors Rene Clement and Anthony Minghella adapted Mr. Ripley in 1960 and 1999, respectively.

The novel centers on Walter Stackhouse, whose perfect life crumbles after his wife is murdered and found at the bottom of a cliff.

Goddard most recently directed the season three finale of Downton Abbey, which aired on PBS last weekend. He’s also helmed episodes of Law and Order: UK, Torchwood and Doctor Who.